China's visa-free entry policy

I. Two pathways for 30-day visa-free entry

⚠ Key reminder: If you hold a passport from one of the 50 eligible countries, you are subject to '① Unilateral visa-free entry'—this allows you to freely travel throughout China (for up to 30 days), not just in Hainan or a specific province. This is the most commonly misunderstood point.

II. List of 50 countries under unilateral visa-free policy

According to the Foreign Ministry's updated FAQ released in July 2026, passport holders from 50 countries meet the criteria for visa-free entry to China. Listed by region below:

Europe (35 countries)

France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Sweden, United Kingdom

Asia (7 countries)

Brunei, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain

Oceania (2 countries)

Australia, New Zealand

Americas (6 countries)

Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Canada

📌 Update note on the list:

• In June 2025, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain—the four Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—were added, achieving full visa-free coverage for GCC members;
• In November 2025, Sweden was added on a trial basis;
• Starting February 17, 2026, the UK and Canada were added.

If your country has recently joined, please refer to the latest official announcement.

III. Detailed Policy Rules

1. Permitted Reasons for Entry

Passholders of valid ordinary passports from the above 50 countries may enter China visa-free for a single stay not exceeding 30 days for the following purposes:

• ✅ Business (business negotiations, inspections)
• ✅ Tourism
• ✅ Visiting relatives and friends
• ✅ Academic or cultural exchanges
• ✅ Transit (traveling to a third country/region)

Events such as sports competitions, exhibitions, and study tours (summer/winter camps), as long as the stay in China does not exceed 30 days, also fall within the visa-free scope, provided that a valid ordinary passport is held.

2. Key Eligibility Criteria

• Whether traveling independently or as part of a tour group, individuals meeting the conditions are eligible for visa-free entry.
• Minors and adults are subject to the same requirements—no additional special conditions apply.
• The policy applies regardless of whether an invitation letter or travel agency guarantee is provided; independent travelers are equally eligible.

3. Passport and Document Requirements

• A valid ordinary passport must be held, with validity sufficient to cover the duration of the trip in China.
• ❌ Not applicable: Foreign nationals holding travel documents, temporary certificates, emergency documents, or other types of documents besides ordinary passports.
• 💡 Practical Advice: It is recommended that the passport’s validity be at least ≥6 months to avoid being denied entry by immigration authorities due to insufficient validity.

4. How Is the 30-Day Period Calculated?

The visa-free stay period starts on the day after entry and allows continuous stay of up to 30 calendar days.

Example: If you enter China on September 1, 2026, then September 2 is Day 1, and you must depart no later than 24:00 on October 1.

5. Policy Implementation Period (Critical!)

⚠ Note: The policy for the 48 countries currently expires on December 31, 2026. While China typically announces an extension before expiration, do not assume automatic renewal. Travelers planning trips in 2027 must verify the latest official announcements prior to departure.

IV. What Situations Are NOT Covered by Visa-Free Entry? (Visa Must Be Obtained in Advance)

The following purposes are outside the 30-day visa-free scope and require obtaining the appropriate visa before arrival in China:

⚠ Special reminder: Visa-free entry to apply for work permit—some cities (e.g., Shanghai) allow eligible individuals to apply for a work permit + residence permit within 30 days of entry, but after expiration, you cannot apply for a change of status domestically and must leave China to reapply for a Z visa. This route has strict time limits—plan ahead.

V. Full entry process

📝 Prepare before arrival

🛬 Upon arrival: Immigration clearance

1. Fill out the Foreigner Entry Card: Some ports allow online pre-filling—complete it in advance for faster processing.
2. Present your passport to immigration officers for inspection and biometric data collection (face/fingerprint scan as required on-site).
3. After successful inspection and stamping, you will be cleared for entry—please carefully check the entry date stamp on your passport, as this marks the starting point for the 30-day stay period.

💡 Seamless Clearance: Major ports across China have widely adopted "Smart Immigration Inspection," utilizing integrated facial recognition channels for rapid clearance.

🛂 Customs and health declaration

• Travelers may complete health declarations in advance via the "Customs Cross-Border Personnel Mobile Service" mini-program.
• No longer required to fill out traditional paper health declaration forms (now fully digitized).
• If experiencing symptoms such as fever or cough, please proactively and truthfully declare them and cooperate with health quarantine procedures.

🏨 Within 24 hours of entry: Accommodation registration (important!)

• Staying at a hotel: Simply present your passport to the front desk for accommodation registration.
• Staying outside hotels (e.g., with relatives or rented accommodation): The traveler or host must register accommodation with local public security authorities within 24 hours of entry.

⚠ Failure to register accommodation on time is illegal and may affect future entry—take this seriously.

VI. Important notes during your stay in China

VII. Common misconceptions Q&A

8. Difference from the 240-hour transit visa-free policy

📌 Practical Recommendation: If you are a citizen of one of the 50 countries and plan to visit China for tourism not exceeding 30 days → use the unilateral visa-free policy for maximum convenience, no connecting flight needed. Consider the transit visa-free policy only if you're passing through China en route to a third country or require greater flexibility in port selection. Starting August 20, 2026, Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan will join both the 240-hour transit visa-free policy and the Hainan 30-day visa-free program.

IX. Travel Planning Tips

🎯 Golden Rule: Treat the 'latest departure date' as day 28, allowing a 2-day buffer for flights to prevent overstaying due to delays.

X. Authoritative Information Sources and Verification Channels

Double-check before traveling—recommended official channels:

• 🏛 National Immigration Administration: nia.gov.cn (visa-free policies, ports of entry, permitted areas of stay)
• 🌐 China Consular Services Website: cs.mfa.gov.cn (list of visa-free countries, common questions)
• 📱 National Immigration Administration 12367 (mini-program / hotline)
• 📱 Customs Cross-Border Personnel Mobile Service (health declaration)
• 🏢 Nearest Chinese embassy or consulate website abroad

May this guide help you smoothly begin your journey in China